Reunion and Alum Weekend Celebrates CA’s Legacy and Embraces the Future
Concord Academy alums returned to campus June 6 to 8, 2025, for Reunion and Alum Weekend, with more than 200 graduates in attendance. Despite the rainy weather, spirits remained bright. The newly constructed Centennial Arts Center (C.A.C.) served as a central hub for many of the weekend’s events, blending nostalgia with the promise of CA’s future. Alums from class years ending in 0 and 5 marked milestone reunions.
The reunion kicked off on Friday afternoon with registration as well as campus and C.A.C. tours. That evening, a lively welcome reception and dinner in the Stu-Fac set the tone for a weekend of celebration. The class of 1975 enjoyed a 50th-reunion dinner, which also offered some classmates who couldn’t attend in person an opportunity to reconnect over Zoom and share memories.
Saturday morning featured two walking tours of the North Bridge, led by Visit Concord. One focused on the 250th anniversary of the historic battles of Concord and Lexington while the other engaged with the impact of Indigenous people and people of African descent who fought along the Battle Road.
A lifelong love of learning was evident in classrooms throughout the day. English teacher Ayres Stiles-Hall P’23 P’24 led the workshop “Sowing Worlds, Cultivating Connections,” which explored how poetry can spark critical thinking. Assistant Head for Academic Program and Equity and history teacher Rob Munro guided a “Hermeneutics” class that examined how we interpret texts across time and place. History teacher Kim Frederick presented the session “Echoes of April 19, 1775,” sharing how students helped create a virtual reality walking tour that brings to life the first day of the Revolution.
At the Alum Association Assembly in the Performing Arts Center, alums heard updates from the school’s leadership. Board of Trustees Co-President Jen Burleigh ’85, who was celebrating a 40-year reunion, reflected on CA’s evolution, highlighting the C.A.C. as an opportunity for new interdisciplinary and creative learning at CA.
Head of School Henry Fairfax addressed how CA is adapting to challenges in the educational landscape, particularly in the areas of student wellness, artificial intelligence, and other emerging trends. Associate Head of Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Sarah Yeh P’24 ’27 and Director of Marketing and Communications Tavia Lee-Goldstein presented an update on CA’s strategic plan, focusing on a new portrait of a graduate that outlines the values and skills CA aims to cultivate in each of its students.
A highlight of the weekend was the alum panel “Bridging Differences Through Purposeful Collaboration and Creative Engagement,” moderated by Assistant Head for Student Life Grant Hightower. The panel featured Jackie van der Horst Sergent ’75, Lara Jordan James ’80, and Eric Nguyen ’00, who discussed the importance of fostering mutual understanding.
Nguyen, a diversity and inclusion expert, stressed the importance of intentionality to ensure stronger communication: “There is a lot of value in slowing down to ensure there is alignment. Ask: ‘What are our shared values going into this conversation?’” He emphasized the need for community agreements to structure constructive dialogue.
Jordan James, an executive marketing consultant, spoke about the importance of being aware of power dynamics. “Lean into listening to people that don’t have the privilege you have,” she advised.
When asked what advice they would give their younger selves about bridging divides, Sergent, a politician and public health professional, shared a message of humility: “Always make it about others.” Her words captured the essence of the discussion—working across differences requires a commitment to serving the collective good.
The memorial service held in the Elizabeth B. Hall Chapel offered a moment of reflection for honoring those whose passing CA had learned about in the past year. Alums remembered their contributions to CA, their character, and the positive impact they had on the community.
Saturday’s celebrations concluded with a warm reception and dinner, where alums connected with friends and faculty members. The event was underscored by musical performances by piano teacher Jonathan Fagan ’11, former faculty Ross Adams, and Nate Badger ’19.
During the meal, Fairfax expressed his gratitude to the alum community. Three members of the Board of Trustees celebrating milestone reunions—Burleigh, Karen McAlmon ’75, and Steve Kramarsky ’85—also reflected on the impact of the school.
“Even though the campus is going to change, and the faces are going to change, I can tell you from 40 years out that the culture and community of the school endures, and it always feels special to be here,” Burleigh said. “Over time, those personal connections and that shared history become even more precious, and they are something to be cherished. That’s why I attend reunions.”
The weekend concluded with a farewell brunch on Sunday morning as the sun finally broke through the clouds, reflecting the optimism and lasting bonds that define the Concord Academy experience.
